Pinehurst to
Add No. 9 Course

Rees Jones will design the new 18-hole Pinehurst No. 9 course on a 275-acre tract that was originally acquired by his father, Robert Trent Jones, and owned by the Jones family for many years. The site is located on Highway 5 in Aberdeen, N.C., a short drive from the Resort's main clubhouse.

"The topography, sandy soils, pine trees and ponds on this site will contribute to an outstanding Sandhills style course," said Brad Kocher, director of golf course maintenance for Pinehurst, Inc. "With Rees' experience behind the project, I know we can create a top-rated course," Kocher said. Preliminary routing has begun for the course, which is expected to open in the spring of 2002.

Rees Jones has designed or remodeled nine of Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses" for 1999-2000, including Pinehurst No. 7, which opened in 1986, and assisted in the restoration of Pinehurst No. 2, site of the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Men's Open Championships.

During his career, Jones has designed or redesigned more than 100 golf courses and in 1995 Golf World magazine named him "Architect of the Year." His restoration and remodeling work, particularly on courses slated for U.S. Open Championships, has earned him the nickname "The Open Doctor."

Shane Sharp is TravelGolf.com's editor and a senior writer for GolfCarolina.com. Contact him at sharp@travelgolf.com